Holding outreach antenatal and family planning clinics in isolated settings has been a key way MAMA has reached isolated, deprived communities in Western Uganda. These outreach clinics have been invaluable in developing strong relationships with these communities and their leaders, as precursors to establishing our permanent facilities.
Infection, breathing difficulty or prematurity are just some of the reasons why a baby may need to be transferred to the paediatric ward after birth. MAMA also supports the neonatal services at our partner hospital, Azur Health Centre IV in Hoima town.
Caesarean sections may be required as a result of babies becoming distressed during labour or if labour becomes obstructed due to a small pelvis, large baby or malposition of the baby. It might be indicated electively due to a history of previous Caesarean sections or uterine rupture, or if babies are in certain positions (for example lying sideways across the womb). At MAMA we support our colleagues at Azur Health Centre in performing these operations when needed, whilst remaining mindful to not perform them unnecessarily.
In October our health project addressed pre eclampsia. The project we delivered to 38 health centres across Hoima District and numerous women were educated on the warning signs of PET. Staff were given boxes of emergency medicines and equipment, and some training on how to manage the condition
When a midwife or nurse qualifies and then gets employment, they are expected to work as a ‘volunteer’ for one year to pay back the government for their training. These midwives are only paid 50,000 Ugandan shillings a month (roughly £10).
MAMA funded Josephine, who was a junior midwife working at Azur and our Runga clinic, to return to school to study for her midwifery diploma. In 2019 Josephine returned to Azur Health Centre and our projects as a senior midwife.
MAMA helped to improve resourcing and facilities at Tonya’s Health Centre.
Simple skin-to-skin ‘kangaroo’ care has been proven to improve the outcomes of neonates, especially those born too early, of low birth weight or who are sick.